COVID vaccination, particularly the mRNA vaccine, offers long-lasting protection from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, according to a study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The investigators have found that breakthrough infections are a result of declining immunity, but vaccines continue protecting people from hospitalization and severe disease until nine months after they get the first dose.

“The primary takeaway message from our study is that unvaccinated people should get vaccinated right away,” and it also highlights “the importance of booster shots, especially for older adults,” said study author Danyu Lin.

The research was published in The New England Journal of Medicine and more details are available at Pharmacy Times online or Eurekalert.

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